NPA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NPA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Proper hand hygiene between patients breaks which link in the chain of infection? → Mode of transmission
2. In the context of National Phlebotomy Association Certification, what is the primary goal of patient safety protocols? → Optimal patient outcomes and safety
3. Which abbreviation practice best follows documentation standards? → Using only facility-approved abbreviations and avoiding 'Do Not Use' list items
4. What is the purpose of using anticoagulants in blood specimens? → To preserve blood plasma for testing
5. Which ethical principle is most directly applicable to documentation standards? → Beneficence — acting in the patient's best interest
6. What role does documentation play in diagnostic procedures? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
7. What role does documentation play in documentation standards? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
8. A patient states he feels faint before the needle is inserted. What should the phlebotomist communicate and do first? → Reassure him, ensure he is seated or lying down safely, and pause the procedure
9. What is the standard of care requirement for diagnostic procedures in clinical practice? → The level of care a reasonably competent practitioner would provide
10. Which statement violates a patient's right to dignity during a draw? → Addressing the patient by "honey" or "sweetie"
11. Where should a phlebotomist document that a patient refused a blood draw? → On the requisition or per facility policy, notifying the nurse or physician
12. When doffing PPE using the CDC sequence, which item is typically removed first? → Gloves
13. Under HIPAA, which action by a phlebotomist is appropriate? → Logging off the computer and covering labels when stepping away
14. A specimen arrives at the lab with a label that has no collector's initials. What is the most likely outcome? → The specimen may be rejected per lab policy
15. Why is patient confidentiality important in phlebotomy? → To protect patients' personal information from unauthorized disclosure.
16. What is the correct method for hand hygiene before phlebotomy? → Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
17. What role does documentation play in patient communication? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
18. Which of the following is a potential complication of venipuncture? → Phlebitis
19. A hearing-impaired patient reads lips. Which technique best supports communication? → Face the patient directly, speak clearly at a normal pace, and use written notes if needed
20. Which patient would most likely be placed in protective (reverse) isolation? → A patient with neutropenia from chemotherapy
21. How should a practitioner handle an unexpected finding during treatment planning procedures? → Document it and follow established protocols for further evaluation
22. What is the correct way to handle a blood specimen that has been exposed to extreme temperatures? → Allow the specimen to warm up to room temperature before testing
23. A phlebotomist must draw blood from a patient with suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis. Which respiratory protection is required? → Fit-tested N95 respirator
24. How can contamination of a blood specimen be prevented? → By properly cleaning the site before blood collection
25. What role does documentation play in patient safety protocols? → It is a critical legal and clinical requirement
26. What is the best practice for transporting specimens to the laboratory? → Transport specimens in a biohazard bag with appropriate refrigeration
27. How should blood specimens be stored for long-term preservation? → In a refrigerated area or a freezer for long-term storage
28. When documenting in an electronic health record, why must phlebotomists never share login credentials? → Every entry must be traceable to the person who made it
29. A phlebotomist writes the wrong collection time on a paper log. What is the correct way to fix it? → Draw a single line through the error, write the correct time, and initial and date it
30. Which type of blood vessel is responsible for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues? → Capillaries